English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
1
God rules: there's something to shout over! On the double, mainlands and islands - celebrate!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
2
Bright clouds and storm clouds circle 'round him; Right and justice anchor his rule.
3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.
3
Fire blazes out before him, Flaming high up the craggy mountains.
4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
4
His lightnings light up the world; Earth, wide-eyed, trembles in fear.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
5
The mountains take one look at God And melt, melt like wax before earth's Lord.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
6
The heavens announce that he'll set everything right, And everyone will see it happen - glorious!
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!
7
All who serve handcrafted gods will be sorry - And they were so proud of their ragamuffin gods! On your knees, all you gods - worship him!
8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD.
8
And Zion, you listen and take heart! Daughters of Zion, sing your hearts out: God has done it all, has set everything right.
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
9
You, God, are High God of the cosmos, Far, far higher than any of the gods.
10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
10
God loves all who hate evil, And those who love him he keeps safe, Snatches them from the grip of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
11
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
12
So, God's people, shout praise to God, Give thanks to our Holy God!
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.